Blackwattle Bay Townhouse
By Sam Crawford Architects
2018 Wan and Gadi Country / Glebe, NSW
2019 Houses Awards – Shortlist
2019 IDEA Awards – Shortlist
We were engaged to expand and personalise the living areas of this existing townhouse on Blackwattle Bay, originally designed by SJB. Our intervention on the ground floor removed a central study space, allowing for shifting and expansion of the kitchen, and expansion of the living space. The design also created more room for our clients’ extensive, art, book and object collection, as well as a generous bar.
These changes further enhance the abundance of daylight and generous views of the city skyline and fish-markets, present in the original design. The kitchen has been carefully designed to accommodate the client’s needs. An expansive island bench, topped with a brass benchtop is the centrepiece of the kitchen. A large pantry can be exposed and hidden behind sliding doors, allowing for both a functional kitchen and sleek aesthetic. This and an incorporated bar transforms the main living space from a practical kitchen and laundry into an entertaining space.
A basement void has been converted into a new study and map reading room for our client (a keen sailor), and a retreat for their teenage daughter. Our design has introduced more daylight and fresh finishes to the bathrooms and stair, and added more storage to the main bedroom.
Blackwattle Bay derives its name from the black wattle trees growing around the bay, used by European settlers for housing construction. Prior to European settlement, the creek which fed the bay was a source of fresh water and fish for Sydney’s Aboriginal people, the Wan and Gadi clans. In the nineteenth century, tanners and slaughter houses fouled the creek and bay. The adjacent industrial land was converted into what is now known as Blackwattle Bay Park, created in 1983 following energetic activism by local residents. The Blackwattle Bay Townhouse settles in its context between the city and a pre-settlement riparian landscape.
Published
Domain, May 2019
Dwell, June 2019
The Design Writer, August 2019
The Local Project, January 2020
Project Team
Sam Crawford, Gabrielle Pelletier, Jane Crawford, Matthew Bolton, Annie Vu
Builder
SQ Projects
Consultant Team
Structural Engineer – Cantilever Engineers
Hydraulic Engineer – ITM Design
Mechanical Engineer – Tate Dogan
QS – QS Plus
PCA – Prince Certifiers
Council
City of Sydney
Photographer
Anson Smart
More projects from
Sam Crawford Architects
About the
Professional
Established in 1999, Sam Crawford Architects (SCA) is a design driven architectural practice based in Sydney, Australia. Over the last 20 years, we have established a well-earned reputation for design excellence in residential, cultural and public projects. In addition to our expertise in these areas, we’re also commencing our work in the education sector with both private and public clients.
Our work has been widely published, nationally and internationally and has been recognised in numerous local, state and national awards from the Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Timber Design Awards, Local Government Heritage, Conservation and Urban Design as well as numerous industry awards & commendations.
PeopleOur team is led by Practice Principal and Design Director, Sam Crawford. Alongside the recognition for his built work Sam is highly regarded within the architectural profession. He has led humanitarian architectural projects, conducted gallery based and built research projects, been invited to serve as head-juror for the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards, and was a joint creative-director of the 2014 Australian Institute of Architects National Conference. Sam is co-chair of the Australian Institute of Architects’ Medium Practice Forum, and a member of the Government Architect NSW State Design Review Panel.
With a practice of our size, clients can be assured that Sam is intimately involved in each project. We work in an open-plan studio environment in collaborative teams to ensure the smooth delivery of projects across all scales. Our team is comprised of highly skilled professionals, graduates and students. This mix of team members ensures that each project benefits from the close attention of a dedicated project architect with a support team to efficiently deliver the project. We also have an experienced and dedicated documentation and detailing expert who brings extensive experience of construction detailing to each project.
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